New Year’s in London: Barcelona, Paris & London

Complete Your Checklist Before heading to the airport, complete the tasks below and check them off in your Online Account Checklist. If you have any questions, give us a call at 617-619-1411. We’re available 24/7 to make sure you have the Best. Trip. Ever.

Travel Documents

• Passport: We recommend that your passport is valid at least 6 months beyond the date you return home. For specific passport validity rules, you can refer to the US department of State, Government of Canada, or Countries consulate website.     
  Electronic Travel Authorization: Starting January 8th, 2025 for travel to the UK (England, Scotland, Wales, & Northern Ireland), U.S. and Canadian passport holders will need to apply for the UK's Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA),  This includes those who are flying through the UK on a layover. The UK ETA will require a small fee, approximately 10 British pounds, and an online application. It is recommended to apply at least 20 days before travel dates to ensure a smooth trip.

  Starting in mid-2025 U.S. and Canadian citizens will need to apply for the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) before entering most European Union (EU) and Schengen Zone countries. This online application will require a small fee, and travelers will undergo a security check to determine their eligibility for entry. You can keep up to date here.

• Travel Insurance: While travel insurance is not required, we strongly encourage all travelers to obtain coverage before departure. Check out cost-effective Travel Protection, designed to meet the needs of EF travelers, here.

Tour Preparation

• Talk with your doctor: It is highly recommended that you talk with your doctor about your travel plans. If you are taking any medications, be certain to bring enough to last throughout your trip.
• Traveling with allergies? Let your Trip Consultant and Tour Director know of any dietary restrictions/allergies and we will do what we can to accommodate for any included meals.
• Request a roommate: Double-check with us and your Tour Director that they have your rooming status on file. We will assign a roommate for you if you do not submit a specific request.
• Get an international data plan: We recommend getting an international data plan for your mobile device so you can stay connected while on the road. Please talk with your phone provider for your best options.
  • Wi-Fi will be in most hotels, restaurants, and bars, though it may be slower than in the U.S.
  • Wi-Fi is not available on the bus.
• Get the EF Ultimate Break app: Your trip's group will be able to connect on the app before you meet IRL. Don't miss out! Meet other travelers, get updates from your Tour Director, see flights and accommodations, and more. If you're having trouble, give us a call at 617-619-1411.

Flight Preparation Check your online account 30 days prior to departure for your flight itinerary and confirmation number. Using your 6-digit reservation code, you can reserve your seat (this is typically available 30 days to 24 hours before departure) and check in to your flight 24 hours prior to departure. If you prefer to check in at the airport, that’s okay, too. Regardless, plan to arrive 2.5 – 3 hours before departure.

All flight information is online (e-ticket) via your account and the airline’s website. You will not receive a physical paper ticket from us.

• If your flight is canceled or delayed: Don’t worry! We design the first day of tour as an arrival day in case of flight delays or cancelations. Work with the airline to get rebooked on the next available flight, then let your Tour Director know your new arrival time.
• If you sleep in and miss your flight: You should still talk to the airline and see if they can get you on the next available option. Tears may help in this case.

Arriving in Barcelona Your Tour Director will communicate through the EF Ultimate Break app, WhatsApp, or email about where to meet them at the airport. This is an important reason to make sure you have the EF Ultimate Break app!

If you have booked your own flight arrangements or have extended your travels before the tour dates, you will need to make your own way to the first hotel. Accommodation details will be available in your online account 30 days prior to departure.

Getting from A to B You’re traveling through Europe, and since teleportation hasn’t been invented yet, it takes time to get to each destination. All transfers between cities are via plane or train and can take anywhere between 2-6 hours. When sightseeing, be prepared to walk between 4-8 miles per day!

It’s a good idea to download a few movies or shows to watch sans wi-fi/cellular data, bring a great book with you to read, or listen to music to pass the time.

Staying Healthy While Traveling

Fact: Travel is exhilarating. And FOMO is real. So, we understand why you don’t want to miss a second of the action. But there’s a difference between maximizing your time and spreading yourself too thin. Here are some tips to stay healthy and happy on tour:

• Sleep: Flying across the globe, changing time zones, and being constantly on the move can take a toll on your body. Make sure you get the rest your body needs. If that means missing a night out for some well-earned rest, or having a little afternoon siesta, so be it. This is a marathon, not a sprint.
• Stay hydrated: It’s important to drink plenty of water throughout the day, especially after spending all day in the sun!
• Be Prepared: The most prepared travelers will bring a small first aid kit, including antacids, anti-diarrhea medication, motion sickness medication, and any prescription medications in your carry-on bag.
• Take time for yourself: Group travel is an amazing experience, and there’s nothing quite like exploring a foreign country with a group of like-minded people. That said, it’s okay to take time for yourself to relax and reflect on your experience. Here are a few mindfulness apps you can take with you on the road:
  • Insight Timer: Meditation apps are very in right now. This one is especially amazing because there are 80,000 free daily meditations to help with sleep, anxiety, and stress.
  • What’s Up: If you’re feeling anxious, depressed, or stressed, What’s Up can help you manage these feelings with interactive games, forums, and a thought tracking diary.
  • Talkspace: No need to make appointments or commute to a therapist’s office. Talkspace gives you 24/7 access to real, licensed therapists. You can talk, text, or video chat with them right from your phone.

Safety While Abroad

With a global presence of more than 46,000 people in over 115 countries and regions, we’re fully committed to your safety. From your first flight all the way through to your farewell dinner, don’t hesitate to reach out to your Tour Director or your Trip Consultant if you need a helping hand. Keep these extra tips in mind so you can #travelsmart:

• Keep your bag/purse in front of you and your phone zipped inside when you’re not using it. Leave your laptop at home, store valuables at the hotel in locked luggage or the safe deposit box. Refrain from carrying large sums of money or wearing valuable jewelry.
• Use the buddy system. Stay in groups and watch out for each other, especially at night—no one gets left behind!
• Be smart about alcohol consumption. Watch your drinks and don’t accept drinks from people you don’t know. Don’t leave the bar alone with someone you just met.
• Before you go out, grab a business card at your hotel so that you always have the address handy for getting back later.
• At the end of a night out, use trusted transportation like a licensed taxi and always have cash on hand.
• Save our 24/7 number in your phone: +1–617–619–1411.

Your airline ticket includes one checked bag (typically 27" x 21" x 14") but note that years of customer feedback tells us that the lighter you pack, the better. Double check the luggage size requirements on your airline’s website, but we recommend traveling with one small backpack or purse, and a smaller carry-on suitcase (22” x 14” x 9”) or bag; You may need to carry your suitcase where buses and elevators cannot.

Please note: The internal flight on the tour has different luggage requirements and only allow one checked bag OR carry on item and personal item. Travelers are responsible for any additional baggage fees incurred.

Electronics: We recommend a universal adapter; the “Targus World Power Travel Adapter” ($20, Amazon.com) for this trip.

Packing list

• 1 warm, waterproof coat (layers are key!)
• Comfortable walking shoes
• 2-3 pairs jeans / shorts (one longer pair of pants, dress, or skirt for temple and cathedral entrances)
• 3-4 shirts / t-shirts
• Shawl or sweater to cover your shoulders for entrance to cathedrals
• 1-2 nicer outfits for the Welcome Dinner & Farewell Dinner, or a night out
• Underwear and socks
• Toiletries / medicine
• Sunscreen and sunglasses
• Reusable water bottle
• Phone or camera
• Passport. We also recommend that you make two color photocopies of your passport. Leave one copy at home with a friend or relative, and bring one copy with you, keeping it separate from the original documents.
• Debit / credit cards and cash

Note: You are required to cover your shoulders and knees when entering any sacred churches, basilicas, or cathedrals

Budgeting We recommend budgeting $80-$100 per day for meals, gratuities, shopping, and free time activities. Remember that you know your spending habits best and not everyone’s spending habits are the same. These recommendations are based on a traveler who says yes to any and all activities while on tour.

Currencies used:

• Euro (€)
• Pound (£)

The rates at ATMs are usually the best, and you can find machines everywhere - especially with the help of your Tour Director. Please make sure to talk with your bank and credit card companies to let them know where and when you are traveling, and to go over any international transaction fees. It’s always smart to bring more than one form of payment while traveling, and credit cards are widely accepted throughout the country.

If you have a credit card that offers zero international transaction fees, bring that to save some money for purchases abroad.

Tipping When it comes to tipping, there is no tip required for taxis and nearly all restaurant bills that you receive already include gratuity, so additional tipping is not necessary. As it is customary to tip for services provided, we recommend the following for this tour:

• Local Guides: $2-$3 at the end of each experience
• Tour Director: $10-$12 per day given at the end of the trip

On this trip you’ll experience standard rooming, unless you purchased a private room upgrade. Standard rooming is in European hotels or boutique hostels and you’ll room with up to six fellow EF Ultimate Break travelers of the same gender per room. What to expect for standard rooming:

• 4-5 fellow EF Ultimate Break roommates of the same gender
• Small, boutique hotels and hostels
• One private bathroom per room that you’ll share with your roommates
• Limited WiFi connection
• Limited air conditioning – AC is popular in the U.S., but not in Europe

If you have any questions about your rooming status or want to request a specific roommate, call us at 617-619-1411, or connect with your Tour Director.

While navigating London may be easier with English front and center, it'll be fun and useful to have some phrases down in Spanish and French. Here are just a few of the basics to get you started:

• Hello: Hola (Spanish) / Bonjour (French)
• Goodbye: Adiós (Spanish) / Au revoir (French)
• Thank you: Gracias (Spanish) / Merci (French)
• Yes: Sí (Spanish) / Oui (French)
• No: No (Spanish) / Non (French)
• Where is...?: Dónde está...? (Spanish) / Ou est..? (French)
• Cheers!: Salud! (Spanish) / Santé (French)

Download Duolingo or some language-learning podcasts to practice your skills, and use Google Translate to help you while on the road!

As you prepare to spend time in numerous new cities, countries, and cultures, here are some expert tips to help you live like a true European.

• Siestas. Many Europeans take a long midday break and close shops from 12-2pm to spend time with friends and family.
• Europeans are night owls. Nighttime is when cities come to life – embrace it!
• Dress the part. Europeans dress to impress. We recommend comfortable clothes and walking shoes, but now's the time to try your new sunhat, fancy shades, and the latest trends.
• Embrace the culture. Unlike the U.S., water isn’t free, customer service is more hands-off, and everything (hotels, meals, appliances) is smaller. Instead of comparing, dive all in!
• Speak the language. Attempting the local language when greeting people, ordering food, or navigating a new city shows respect and goes a long way with locals!

You’ll sample a variety of local dishes on your trip, but read on for tips when dining out in Europe, and delicacies you must try in every city.

• Practice the local language when ordering - It goes a long way with the locals.
• Water is an added cost at restaurants, and you have to choose between still or sparkling.
• Avoid making special requests at restaurants, it’s not as common in Europe.
• Feel free to seat yourself in restaurants instead of waiting to be seated.
• Don’t be afraid to flag your waiter or waitress over for help!
• Barcelona: Tapas, croquettes, sangria, jamon y queso (ham & cheese)
• Paris: Baguette (no-brainer), steak frites, crepes, and a café au lait
• London: English breakfast, afternoon tea, fish and chips

If you did not purchase EF Ultimate Break Optional Excursions before the trip began, you can log into your Online Account and do so on tour. You can also talk to your Tour Director on tour and they can help you get enrolled. If you’d like to plan something else during your free time, connect with your Tour Director before doing so; they sometimes arrange extra activities for the group during free time.

Prices for these optional excursions will increase on tour, so please check your online account for available add-ons.